Facing a serious felony charge can change your life overnight. The weight of the accusations, the uncertainty of your future, and the pressure from law enforcement and prosecutors often leave people feeling isolated and afraid.
At Speights Law, we know your future is on the line, and we take that seriously. If you are under investigation or have been arrested, our White criminal defense lawyer will stand with you. Our team has more than 122 years of combined experience, including former prosecutors and seasoned trial lawyers who now fight for the rights of defendants.
We believe in direct communication, aggressive representation, and protecting your future at all costs. With our serious felonies defense lawyers in White on your side, you will have someone who listens and fights to reduce or dismiss charges when possible.
What Counts as a Serious Felony in Georgia?
The state does not treat all criminal charges the same. Georgia law divides crimes into misdemeanors and felonies. Felonies are the most serious offenses, punishable by at least one year in prison, and “serious felonies” often carry decades-long or even life sentences.
Examples of serious felony crimes in Georgia include:
- Murder and manslaughter
- Rape and aggravated sexual assault
- Armed robbery
- Kidnapping
- Drug trafficking or manufacturing
- Aggravated assault with a deadly weapon
The state prosecutes each of these crimes aggressively. That is why having an experienced defense lawyer is not optional—it is essential.
Penalties for Serious Felonies in Georgia
The penalties for serious felonies depend on the crime, prior convictions, and the facts of the case. According to Georgia law:
- Murder: Punishable by life in prison or the death penalty
- Armed robbery: Minimum of 10 years in prison, up to life
- Kidnapping: Ten to 20 years in prison if the victim is 14 or older and life imprisonment if the victim is under age 14
- Drug trafficking: Varying sentences that often include mandatory minimum prison terms and large fines
The Lasting Consequences of a Felony Conviction
Beyond prison time and fines, felony convictions follow you long after you leave the courtroom. A conviction can affect nearly every part of your daily life:
- Loss of civil rights: You can lose the right to vote, serve on a jury, or own a firearm.
- Employment barriers: Many employers run background checks and may refuse to hire someone with a felony record.
- Housing difficulties: Landlords may deny applications based on a criminal history.
- Professional licenses: Nurses, teachers, contractors, and others may lose or be denied the ability to work in their chosen profession.
- Sex offender registration: For certain crimes, you may be placed on the Georgia Sex Offender Registry for life, with strict reporting and residency restrictions.
These long-term penalties often matter just as much as the immediate sentence. That is why building a strong defense from the beginning is critical. You are not only protecting yourself from prison, but also from years of personal and financial hardship.
Call Speights Law today to discuss your next steps and how we can represent you during a free consultation.
Our Defense Attorneys for Serious Felonies in White Will Help
When you work with Speights Law, you are hiring a team that will fight for your freedom. Our serious felony charges lawyers in White understand how prosecutors build their cases because some of us used to stand on the other side.
This insight allows us to anticipate strategies and attack weaknesses. If you are facing charges in a serious felony crime, we will:
- Investigate every detail of your arrest and the evidence against you.
- Challenge unlawful searches, seizures, or confessions.
- File pretrial motions to exclude weak or improperly gathered evidence.
- Negotiate with prosecutors to reduce charges or penalties.
- Build a strong defense strategy to present in court.
- Represent you at trial with aggressive cross-examination and evidence presentation.
- Guide you through sentencing and seek alternatives when possible.
- Handle appeals and post-conviction relief if necessary.
We will explain how Georgia laws apply to your case so that you always know where you stand and what your options are.
You Don’t Have to Wait to Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer to Represent You
A common mistake people make is waiting too long to contact a lawyer. You do not need to wait until you receive notice that the prosecution has filed formal charges.
It is smart to call an attorney if:
- You are under arrest for a serious crime.
- Law enforcement is questioning you about a felony.
- You learn you are the target of an investigation.
The earlier you involve a Speights Law defense lawyer to lead your case, the sooner we can protect your rights and begin building a strategy to fight back.
Possible Defenses in Serious Felony Cases
Every case is unique, but common defenses to serious felony charges may include:
- Self–defense: Georgia law allows reasonable force to prevent death or great harm under Georgia Code § 16-3-21.
- Mistaken identity: Witnesses and victims sometimes accuse the wrong person.
- Illegal evidence collection: If police violated your rights, key evidence may be thrown out.
- Lack of intent: Some felonies require proof that you acted with intent; without it, the case may fall apart.
- Alibi: Demonstrating you were somewhere else at the time of the alleged crime.
You can trust our lawyers handling serious felony charges in White to review every detail of your situation and determine the best approach for your situation.
What Happens After an Arrest and Charges in White, Georgia?
Being arrested for a serious felony can feel overwhelming and confusing. Knowing the steps that usually follow can help you understand the process and prepare for what’s ahead.
- Arrest and booking: Police take you into custody, gather personal information, take fingerprints, and may set bail depending on the charge.
- First appearance: Within a short time after arrest, you appear before a judge. The judge explains the charges and your rights. Bail may be set here if it wasn’t already.
- Arraignment: At this hearing, you formally enter a plea—guilty, not guilty, or no contest.
- Pretrial hearings and motions: your lawyer can challenge the evidence, ask the court to dismiss charges, or limit what prosecutors can use at trial
- Trial preparation: Both sides gather evidence, interview witnesses, and prepare arguments.
- Trial: If your case goes to trial, a jury or judge hears the evidence and decides guilt or innocence.
- Sentencing: If the court finds you guilty, the judge will decide your punishment based on Georgia’s sentencing laws.
- Appeals: If mistakes were made during your trial, we can file an appeal to challenge the outcome.
At every step, having a defense lawyer by your side makes a difference. We guide you through the process, explain what to expect, and fight to protect your rights from the very beginning.
You Can Start Preparing Now for a Serious Felony Case
If you are facing charges, these practical steps can help you prepare and strengthen your defense:
- Do not discuss your case with anyone except your lawyer.
- Avoid posting on social media about your situation.
- Gather important documents such as texts, emails, or receipts that may support your alibi.
- Write down everything you remember about the arrest or incident.
- Follow your attorney’s instructions and attend all scheduled meetings.
Preparation shows you are serious about your defense and helps us build the strongest case for you or your loved one.
Our Serious Felonies Defense Lawyers in White Will Lead Your Case
With penalties this serious, waiting is not an option. At Speights Law, our serious felonies defense lawyers in White, Georgia, will fight for your rights, explain the law in plain terms, and help you make the best decisions for your future.
If you are facing a serious felony charge, remember that you still have rights. You deserve the chance to tell your side of the story and pursue the best possible outcome. We will work hard to protect you and your family.
Call us today for a free, confidential consultation. Your future is too important to risk.